Archive for February, 2012

LaserLyte® Returns to Basics with a very affordable rear sight laser for the Springfield XD/XD pistols.

LaserLyte® returns to basics with the patented RTB-XD rear sight laser that fits the Springfield XD/XDM firearms. The high performance laser built into a rear sight specifically designed for Springfield XD/XDM pistols features a simple, ambidextrous “press and go” activation. The laser is easily programmable to either constant on or pulse mode. Another great feature is the “auto-off” feature that displays a unique flash after 5-minutes of operation and automatically turns the unit off after 6-minutes.

Made from heavy-duty, high carbon steel for added durability, the LaserLyte RTB-XD rear sight laser has a black chrome finish for corrosion prevention. A great benefit of the LaserLyte RTB-XD rear sight laser is that the customer will not have to replace grips, internal stock parts or holsters. The LaserLyte RTB-XD rear sight laser is compatible with all Level 1 and Level 2 holsters including the BLACKHAWK!® SERPA® holster system.

When you put a new LaserLyte NAA-1 on your pistol you will have smallest laser and pistol combination in the world. The miniaturized laser clamps to the top of the North American Arms 22lr, 22mag, Black Widow, Mini Master and the Wasp, and provides laser accuracy. The miniaturized laser sight adds true repeat shooting accuracy by giving a point of reference with the small red dot. This fully adjustable laser once it is sighted-in gives you a new shooting distance for this gun.
The unique toggle activation switch can be adjusted to ensure a safe carry in the holster or pocket without accidental activation. The other adjustment on this laser allows for quick activation while cocking the pistol.
This is truly a very practical setup with a miniature weapon that you do not have to compromise the use of sights with.

The Penetrator Crossbow by Barnett is designed to do exactly what its name implies. This powerful and deadly bow delivers bone-crunching penetration with the pinpoint accuracy necessary for more success in the field. Loaded with new innovations and patented designs, the Barnett Penetrator is a perfect example of why Barnett is the world’s number one manufacturer of crossbows.

The Penetrator’s shoot-through foot stirrup and power stroke of 12 inches produce impressive speeds to 350 FPS. The unique and sought after shoot-through riser lengthens the power stroke of a bow without placing the cocking string beyond arm’s length to allow for increased speeds and stored energy levels unequaled in the industry. Barnett’s high-energy cam system and CROSSWIRE string and cable system also contribute to a faster, quieter, more precise shot. The Penetrator’s sleek, low-profile design features a patented magnesium STR riser, a GAM™(Gas Assist Mold) composite stock and Gordon/Barnsdale laminated limbs, which are known throughout the industry for their durability.

The ADF (Anti-Dry-Fire) trigger system eliminates unintentional and costly dry fires. The system also boasts a 3.5 lb trigger pull and a revolutionary crank attachment built into the stock, allowing for the easy installation of the optional crank-cocking device.

With these features and much more, the Penetrator excels in speed, accuracy, strength and performance.

The Penetrator Crossbow package comes complete with quiver, three arrows and a 4×32 scope. Made in the USA.

Nikon’s new P-22 riflescopes are the rimfire-optimized variant of Nikon’s growing line of precision optics for AR rifles. Designed for extreme sighting speed and superior accuracy from rimfire AR platform rifles and .22 long rifle cartridges, the P-22 is offered in 2-7×32 with BDC 150 reticle or 2-7×32 with Nikoplex reticle and Nikon’s Rapid Action Turret system.

Nikon P-22 riflescopes feature tactical-style turrets with a Zero-Reset feature and are parallax set at 50 yards. Positive, ¼-inch MOA at 50 yards and tactical hand turn reticle adjustments provide positive click feedback to get shooters on target with speed and confidence. Featuring fully multicoated optics for extreme brightness, the P-22 provides incredibly high light transmission for most light conditions.

Developed specifically for the trajectory of the .22 long rifle rimfire round, the new BDC 150 reticle offers shooters circles, dots and hash marks from 50 to 150 yards. It includes tactical-style turrets with Zero-Reset feature to get zeroed-in quicker and maintain settings – even with repeated recoil.

The P-22 2-7×32 with Nikoplex reticle with Rapid Action Turret technology includes two different sets of tactical style elevation turrets for Standard Velocities (1200-1300 fps) and Hyper Velocities (1500-1600 fps). Now it’s possible to aim directly at the targets, eliminating the need to holdover by changing distances with a quick turn of the turret.

Like all Nikon riflescopes, the P-22 is optimized for use with Nikon Spot On™ Ballistic Match Technology. The Spot On program provides users with exact aiming points on the BDC reticle for any load or ammunition at a specified range. Spot On can be purchased for iPhone and Android or tried out for free at nikonhunting.com/spoton.

GREELEY, CO – For years shooters have relied on the precision and accuracy of the Burris AR sight systems for military, tactical, home defense and hunting applications. Now there are two more optical options to choose from for the AR rifle platform with Burris’ introduction of the AR-132™ and AR-536™ sights.

“Our new AR sights are as rugged and versatile as the AR platforms they were designed to match,” stated Rob Siemers, general manager. “Our AR-332 sight is one of the most popular red dot sights on the market today, and with the addition of the AR-132 and AR-536 we’ve added more options and versatility for the professional and recreational shooter.”

For quick target acquisition or close-quarters shooting, the new 1X AR-132 is the ticket. Compact and lightweight with a choice of 4 MOA red or green dots, it is ideal for CQB situations. To make certain that the lighting is perfect for each situation; the AR-132 can be set to one of 10 levels of brightness. The AR-132′s low mounting system matches up perfectly with most AR configurations.

Bright, crisp images are essential in close-quarters-combat situations, therefore Burris has multi-coated all lenses with its proprietary lens coating. Add the integrated lens covers, three Picatinny rail segments, tethered windage and elevation caps, and you have the perfect close-quarter AR scope package.

The AR-536 is the new long-range sight for the AR platform, and it sets a new standard for performance of a tactical prism sight. With a 5X magnification, the AR-536 makes it easy to acquire targets at distances out to 600 yards, while the 36mm objective lens delivers bright, crisp images in most light conditions.

The new AR-536 features the unique Burris Ballistic/CQ™ illuminated reticle that can be adjusted to match the lighting condition-day or night. For daylight operation, shooters can choose the black reticle for aiming out to 600 yards, or they can easily switch over to the red or green illumination, to match the ambient light and situation. The five different illuminations settings make it easy to match any and all light conditions.

Ruggedly built, the AR-536 is waterproof, fogproof and will standup to the punishing recoil and abuse of any AR user. The multi-coated lenses, adjustable diopter, integrated lens covers and three Picatinny rail segments make this the perfect companion to any AR. Also, by removing the bottom rail mount, this sight can be readily mounted to an AR carry handle. It is range-ready, straight out of the box.

Both the AR-132 and AR-536 come with a One-Year Warranty. They will be available at retailers in the second quarter of 2012 and will retail for $279 and $399, respectively.

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Greeley, Colo., the Burris Company offers a complete line of premium sports optics, which includes riflescopes for hunting, competition and the tactical, handgun scopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, mounts and accessories. For more information, write to the Burris Company, 920 54th Avenue, Ste. 200, Greeley, CO 80634. For detailed product information, visit the company website at www.burrisoptics.com. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BurrisOptics.

EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 8, 2012 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance flashlights, has launched the compact Night Com® UV flashlight, which features six UV LEDs to provide ultraviolet light for a variety of detection purposes. The versatile new light also provides a white LED for general and distance use.

Offering three separate lighting modes, the lithium battery-powered Night Com UV features a white C4® LED, and a total of six UV LEDs, including three 365 nanometer and three 390 nanometer UV LEDs.

“The Night Com UV is specially designed for professionals, such as police and security officers, automotive technicians and HVAC repairmen, who rely on ultraviolet light for detecting fraudulent documents, checking driver’s licenses, or for engine or HVAC leak detection,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “The light also is equipped with a powerful white LED for general purpose and distance use.”

A mode-selection switch lets users easily choose the desired lighting mode, including a high- or low-power white LED setting, or the UV LED setting. The light also features a “safety” mode that ensures the light cannot be turned on by mistake during transport.

The light’s C4 LED has a textured reflector that provides a widespread beam, along with a sharp hotspot for distance use. It boasts a 50,000-hour lifetime, and offers 115 lumens and 4,200 candela peak beam intensity on the high setting, and 50 lumens and 1,600 candela on the low setting. On the UV setting, the combined six UV LEDs provide 24 mW measured system output and feature a 100,000 hour lifetime.

On high, the light provides 4.25 continuous hours of run time. On the low setting, the Night Com UV runs for 13.5 continuous hours, and on the UV setting, for 10 continuous hours.

Powered by the two included CR123A lithium batteries, the Night Com UV weighs only 5.44 ounces, measures just 5.40 inches in length and features an unbreakable polycarbonate lens. The flashlight also features a casing of machined aluminum with a matte black anodized finish and a non-slip knurled grip. The light’s push-button tailcap switch provides for Momentary On and Hard Click On and Off operation.

The Night Com UV is IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation and is impact resistance-tested to one meter. All openings are o-ring sealed. It has an MSRP of $90.00. The light comes with a high-strength wrist lanyard and Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Headquartered in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight is a leading manufacturer of high-performance lighting equipment for professional automotive, fire fighting, law enforcement, military, industrial and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For additional information, please call (800) 523-7488 or visit www.streamlight.com.

Vortex optics offers a variety of optics for hunters and we have looked at some of their mid-level offerings in the past with the Diamondback series of riflescopes and binoculars. For this review we’ll be stepping it up a bit and will be taking a look at the Viper PST line of rifle scopes, specifically the 4-16x50mm with EBR-1 MOA reticle.

The Viper Precision Shooting Tactical (PST) line of scopes packs a lot of features that you would normally find in a tactical or long range shooting optic into a hunting scope. There are actually two versions of the 4-16x50mm, one with FFP (first focal plane) and our review model which is a SFP (second focal plane) scope.

The Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50mm Scope

The difference between first or second focal plane can be significant depending on how you use your scope. The Viper PST can be equipped with either an MRAD or MOA scope, both of which use equidistant hashes on the reticle to allow ranging distances to a target as well as quick, on-reticle bullet drop compensation. The big difference with an FFP scope is that the distance between hash marks does not change with power, while with a second focal plane scope the distance changes. For those that make a lot of magnification changes while using the reticle hashes for bullet drop compensation, will find the FFP easier to use. However many people will set the power and forget it, thus negating the main benefit of the FFP scope.

The power ring on the SFP model is marked with both magnification and
the multiplier for the reticle, making it easy to quickly figure out
how power changes effective the distance between the 2 MOA hashes.

Luckily Vortex has made it really easy to use their SFP scope and be able to quickly figure out how the subtension (the distance between hashes) is changing with magnification. For Vortex PST SFP scopes at the highest power (16x in the case of our review model) 1 MOA = 1 MOA, note that lower powers really isn’t that big of a deal since Vortex has designed the scope such that halving the power (8x setting) causes 1 MOA = 2 MOA. Decreasing to 4x setting causes 1 MOA = 4 MOA. Additionally the MOA multiplier is clearly marked on the power ring, so if you have to make a quick calculation it is easy to see what the current multiplier/power setting is directly on the ring.

The Viper PST EBR-1 MOA reticle.

The Viper PST uses external turrets for quick adjustments in 1/4 MOA clicks. The
knobs are aggressively knurled and are easy to grab and rotate. The red line on the
elevation turret is what Vortex calls a “radius bar” and marks the zero of the turret.

If your shooting style is such that you don’t change the magnification setting often, then go for the SFP which has a street price of $699 versus the $849 street price of the same scope in an FFP version.

The Viper PST line all come standard with an illuminated reticle which is bright and adjustable. Vortex has included a nice control knob that has “off” settings between light intensity levels, this allows a shooter to quickly turn off the illumination then turn it back on to the same level without going through the full range of the knob. The illumination is powered by a common 2032 size button cell battery.

The illumination knob alternates between light intensity changes and the “off” position denoted by a solid dot.

Side view of the parallax turret.

Another view of the turret system.

Ever have to do a lot of spinning up of your elevation knob to take a long shot, then, because of the number of rotations, forget your zero point? The Viper PSTs are equipped with a simple but effective solution for this common problem. Vortex’s CRS (Customizable Rotational Stop) is a simple system of shims that can be placed under the elevation turret and prevents spinning below a zero point. Simply zero the scope at a certain distance of your choice, then remove the elevation turret, and then install as many of the two piece shims as necessary below the turret to prevent spinning past the zero. Then line up the red “radius” bar with the zero when reinstalling the turret and you have a simple way of returning to zero after taking a long shot.

The two piece CRS shims go together around the base of turret once it has been removed to set a zero stop.

Vortex includes two manuals with the Viper PST, both of which are current and well written. One manual describes how to use the scope and the other is a primer on how to use MOA (minute of angle) or MRAD (milliradian) reticles. If you have ever purchased a scope with some variation of ballistic reticle then been puzzled over exactly how to use it, Vortex has stepped up and produced some good documentation so you’re not left hanging.

Vortex includes two manuals with the Viper PST to explain how to use the scope and the reticle it is equipped with.

The basic but functional included scope cover.

About the only thing that is sub-par on the Viper PST is the hard plastic scope cover. While it gets the job done, flip-up scope cap covers (such as those produced by Butler Creek) are preferable, but this is just being picky, and Vortex does throw in a sunshader with the scope which is a bonus. Overall the Viper PST series offers a high quality optic, with a variety of extra features for a reasonable $699, there are certainly other scopes that have a much higher price tag but don’t have quite the feature set of the PST. If you’re looking for a tactical style scope, with 30mm tube, you should consider the Viper PST line on your list of scopes to investigate.